Upcoming Events
Summer Sabbath—Letting the land lie fallow
Sunday Summer Schedule for June 16-August 4
7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I
9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:05 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II
Deep in our Judeo-Christian tradition lies the practice of Sabbath and the rhythm of rest:
—So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2: 3
—For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild animals may eat. you shall do the same with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard. Exodus 23:10-11
—Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. Exodus 23: 12
The fifth of the Ten Commandments, which is not often read in full, directs God’s people to “Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work—you, your son or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it.” Exodus 20: 8-11
And, of course, Jesus himself gave us many examples of periods of rest. From times of deep rest came renewal for his journey, and so it is designed for us, as well.
Starting on Trinity Sunday, June 16th, St. James’ will experience a Summer Sabbath schedule for eight weeks, combining the 8:40 a.m. and 11:05 a.m. into one service at 10:05 am. We hope that by combining the services for a little while, that those gathered will slow their pace and enjoy the company of each other on Sunday mornings.
For those interested, our interim rector, the Rev. Marian Fortner, will offer an adult class that we will call for a time, The Nine O’Clock Hour, in Oak Ridge Hall. Sunday school for children and youth will also be offered at that time in their regular locations.
While St. James’ might not do this every summer, our hope is that this ‘once in a while’ Summer Sabbath will yield a richer harvest in the fall.
Changes in Latitudes
Join us
for a
Party in Paradise
honoring
Rev. Seth M. Walley’s
Ministry with St. James’
Tuesday, May 28
6-8 pm
In
Fowler Hall
*Live Music * Island Chicken * Cheeseburger in Paradise Sliders *
* Lemonade Tea * Chips * Dips * Cash Bar *
* Flip Flops * Fun * Friends * Fellowship *
Before Seth and Jessica sail away to the coast...
For many years the custom in the Episcopal church has been to give a departing clergy a purse to provide cash for the clergy to establish a new ministry.
If you desire to make a contribution to Seth's purse please return your check made out to St. James' with "Seth's Purse" in the memo line or click the donate button on the website and add the special instruction "For Seth's Purse".
YOUTH SUMMER KICK-OFF PARTY
Sunday, May 19 after the 11:05 am service.
After a long school year, summer deserves to be kicked off in style! Join us after church at the home of the Becketts for a Summer Kick Off Pool Party! We will have music, food, and fun as we celebrate another end of school year. Sign up to bring items will go out soon so be on the look out. Until then, mark your calendars!
!!!CRAZY CHRISTIANS WILL NOT MEET THIS TUESDAY!!!
I am flying out Monday to go to Richmond for my daughter’s surgery. We will meet the next Tuesday, May 28, at noon and read chapters 8 and 9. See you then.
Please keep her in your prayers. Her name is Cindy.
David
E Q B
ECCE QUAM BONUM
I hope your Latin is up to date. This is from Psalm 133 and it means BEHOLD HOW GOOD… It then goes on to say Oh how good and pleasant it is when brethren (people) dwell together in unity…
On Sundays, May 19 and 26, at 10 am we will have an adult class in 103 Gray Hall entitled CONNECTEDNESS - COMMUNITY - GRACE.
Using the music of Paul Thorn, John Prine, The Band, Bob Marley, U 2, and others, we will look at and discuss how we live together in our families, our church, and our communities.
Please join us.
David
Vacation Church School
Monday through Thursday, June 3- 6 from 8:30 to noon
Register NOW for St. James' Vacation Church School, A Handful of Peace, June 3, 4, 5, and 6 from 8:30 am noon for rising pre-k4 through rising 5th grade children. Children will connect with God through mindful bread-making, gardening, play, outdoor time, mindfulness games, labyrinth walking and a common meal. To register, click here! For more information contact, VCS chairperson Jess Eddleman at st.james.episcopal.church.vcs@gmail.com.
VACATION CHURCH SCHOOL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Monday through Thursday, June 3- 6 from 8:30 to noon
Teens Needed to Serve at Vacation Church School:
This year Abram Jones, St. James’ Youth Director, will work with our teen volunteers to assist them in having a great experience at VCS!! Monday through Thursday, June 3- 6 from 8:30 to noon - A Handful of Peace, for children who are rising Pre-K4 – rising 5th grade. Teen volunteers should SIGN-UP HERE.
Adult Volunteers:
Vacation Church School Needs Adult Group Leaders and Assistant Helpers for Crafts, Breadmaking, Refreshments and Kitchen Support.
Playground Dads are Needed to Serve for a Full or Half Morning to Lead Games.
To volunteer, contact VCS chairperson Jess Eddleman at st.james.episcopal.church.vcs@gmail.com.
THE CHURCH SCHOOL YEAR FOR CHILDREN ENDed ON SUNDAY, MAY 12.
Many thanks to all the parents who have brought their children to the atrium this year!
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a community of children and adults devoted to reflecting together on the scriptures and liturgy of the church. The children have been a blessing to each other and to the adults who work with them in the atrium.
ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE
August 3, 7 am - Noon
Mark your calendars for the annual St. James' Rummage Sale!
Donations may be dropped off on the Sunday prior to the sale from 3 pm - 6 pm
and then the week of July 29-May 2 from 10 am - 5 pm
All Donations should be Clean with All Clothes Clean and on Hangers
DEACONS ORDINATION
Saturday, June 8, 10:30 am, at the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew.
By the Grace of God and with the consent of the people The Right Reverend Brian R. Seage , Tenth Bishop of Mississippi, will ordain Joseph Leslie Hegwood, Jr., Myron Willis Lockey, Jr., Brenda Mae McClendon, and Elisabeth Jane Malphurs to the Sacred Order of Deacons in Christ’s One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Your prayers and presence are requested. Clergy: red stoles.
Reception following.
YOUTH DELTA MISSION TRIP
June 19-22.
We will once again be returning to the Mississippi Delta to assist in the work of the Delta Street Academy. This is a school for at-risk young men that helps empower them through learning, sports, and citizenship. We will arrive in time for dinner on the 19th, spend the 20th and 21st working, and then return home the 22nd. We will end early enough each day to enjoy some fun, both at our lodging and in the Delta itself. This is a wonderful opportunity to help an amazing ministry already in progress, and with our help, it will be even better. Email Abram at ajones@stjjax.org for questions.
ATTENTION ALL HANDYMAN, FIX-IT YOURSELFERS, DIYERS
We are looking for men that can help with small projects around the house, ie: replace a ceiling fan, repair some wood. The Bible calls us to 'help the widows and orphans' and we are looking to restart the St. Joseph's Guild; a men's guild that goes and helps those members of St James' community that have been on this great planet for many years and need our help with small projects around the house.
Want to help but unsure if you can do the work? We also need some men that can act as helpers on these projects!!
Have questions? Interested in joining? Contact Ray Lewis at 601-940-0037 or rjlewis07@hotmail.com
YOUTH FLAMINGO SEASOn!
Beware, flocks of flamingos are about to descend! But worry not, your friendly neighborhood youth group is here to help! Flamingo insurance can be purchased from the youth program for $30. This insures your yard stays flamingo free. If you don't get insurance and flamingos do magically appear in your yard, the youth group will happily remove them for a $30. Just for fun, for an extra $10 you get to decide where the flamingos go next! All proceeds go towards special needs ministry of the diocese. There is still time to get the insurance! Contact The Rev. Abram Jones at ajones@stjjax.org with questions.
STUDENT SERVICE HOURS
Calling all students looking for service hours! We need help with several projects that need to be done. If you can spare some time please email Judy at jjohnson@stjjax.org and let her know.
LADIES LINKING LUNCH
First Tuesday of Each Month
Place to be determined. This will be a great opportunity to gather and enjoy fellowship with others. Ladies interested in getting together and 'linking' for lunch contact Lana Boyll at 601-624-0221 or lbboyll@yahoo.com. Can't make lunch? Contact Meredith Matlock at 601-954-5071 or meredithmatlock@gmail.com for a Ladies Linking Dinner.
GARDENING FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES
The Children’s Garden on the south side of Gray Hall is open Wednesdays from 5:00 to 6:45 pm.
If you have not visited the garden, please do so with your children. There is always something to discover, taste, explore, plant, harvest or dig! Approximately 20 children an evening come through the garden. Parents and parishioners are welcome to volunteer to work with the children, lounge and chat with friends or have a therapeutic moment of adult gardening.
Offered by St. James' Children and Family Ministries
CAMP BRATTON-GREEN SUMMER CAMP
Registration is now open! Visit www.graycenter.org for more information or contact Abram Jones at 769-223-2267: ajones@stjjax.org.
POTLUCK ENNEAGRAM Gathering
If you are interested, we’d love to have you join us once a month to further understanding of ourselves and others using the Enneagram, and to have some fun!
Out first meeting will be Thursday, May 16 from 6 - 7:30 pm in the Guild Parlor. Wings of 1s, 2s, and 3s will be our topic. All are welcome! No experience needed.
For more info contact Liza Booth at liza.booth@gmail.com or 601-398-8001.
Memorials at the Columbaria
Flowers and mementos left on the columbarium as memorials are a normal part of grieving and are allowed by the Church. Memorials may not be left at either of the inside columbaria. Only fresh flowers may be placed on the outside columbarium. St. James' will remove all flowers once they start to wilt. Mementos left on the outside columbarium will be removed daily. Due to the possibility of breakage and injury, glass of any sort is not allowed on the columbarium.
2020 Honduras Medical Mission
Saturday, February 15 - Saturday, February 22, 2020
Applications are available online at www.diosms.org, under the Ministries tab. Deadline for filing the application is July 15, 2019. The team will be chosen and applicants notified in August 2019. There is a mandatory overnight team retreat at Gray Center Friday Jan 11, 2020, 10 - 5 am. Individuals must pay their own team fees of $1600. The first $750 must be paid by September 15, 2019, with the remainder due December 15, 2019. Anyone may apply – we always have a need for medical professionals including doctors, nurses, veterinarians, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, and pharmacists. There are also openings for general support for which no prior training is necessary.
We always need Spanish-speaking applicants, but there are translators present for those who don’t speak Spanish.
Wish to help but don’t like to travel?
Here are two ways to do so: WORD OF MOUTH! Almost everyone knows a medical professional or someone who loves to help others and travel! Encourage them to apply.
DONATIONS! While team members pay for their own expenses, the mission does fundraising to raise the money to purchase medicines, supplies, and tools needed to serve the team. We also offer small grants to the community for infrastructure, economic, and educational improvements. Any support of these activities – either by individuals, vestries, or servant ministry groups is welcome.
Donations may be sent to the Honduras Medical Mission, c/o Sheree Ranson, 705 Rayburn Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING
June 7-8, starts Friday from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm, and continues on Sat. from 9:00 am -5 pm.
Both sessions are free and open to everyone. Volunteers are dedicated individuals who give of themselves to help ensure the mission of hospice. Hospice Volunteers provide ongoing support and reassurance to patients and their families. Our Volunteers are an important part of the Hospice team and assist in a broad spectrum of services for patients and their families including direct services, (i.e. reading, listening), gardening, clerical support, emotional, spiritual and bereavement support. Call 601-898-1053, ext. 258 to register and for more in formation.
ST. JAMES’ SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Register Online Now! All information for the school can also be accessed from the website. Please note that community registration began on Monday, Feb 4 and enrollment is on a first come basis. If you would like additional information about the school or have any questions, please contact Whitney Veazey, 601-941-4296.
SHOP AMAZON SMILE AND SUPPORT ST. J’
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on Amazon.com. The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the charitable organizations selected by customers. Go to https://smile.amazon.com/ch/64-0354724 to support St. James’.
YOGA ON THE LABYRINTH
(Or in Oak Ridge Hall depending on the weather)
Sundays at 3 pm for about an hour-ish.
The class is for all levels (beginner to experienced). Bring a mat and a blanket (if you don't have a yoga blanket any beach towel will do - it is just for sitting on and padding our knees) and some water; if you want to bring blocks or straps that is fine as well. As this is a sacred space, all are invited to bring something 'sacred to them' to place on the Labyrinth. If you have any questions contact Ray at 601-940-0037 or rjlewis07@hotmail.com.
KNITTERS & CROCHETERS
We will gather to knit, crochet, and share stories together on the 2nd Monday of each month from 2-4 pm in the Guild Parlor. The next gathering will be Monday, June 10. Everyone is welcome to join us!
UPCOMING 2019 BAPTISM DATES
Sunday, June 9, Pentecost Sunday; Sunday, July 28, St. James’ Sunday; Sunday, Nov 3, All Saints Day. If you are interested in any of these baptism dates, contact kstephens@stjjax.org.
ART FOR THE SOUL
Come visit our display in Fowler Hall! The Order of the daughters of the King (DOK) is excited with our ministry: Art for the Soul. Each month different artists display their artwork, including paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. This program allows the artist to showcase and sell art to the members of St. James' as well as others who attend various programs throughout the month. DOK uses its proceeds from Art for the Soul to support outreach ministries. If you have any questions, special requests, or would like to make a purchase please contact Cathy Richardson at 601-572-5096.